Ashley Avis has been handpicked to pen and helm the captivating film 'American Wolf' for Apple Original Films, a tale deeply rooted in the pages of Nate Blakeslee's novel. This cinematic odyssey unfolds the mesmerizing true narrative of O-Six, an exceptionally intelligent alpha female wolf whose meteoric rise and heartbreaking fall propel the plight of her species into the global consciousness.
Intertwined with O-Six's odyssey are the lives of a reclusive naturalist, a passionate activist, and a fearless biologist, who unite in a perilous quest to safeguard the delicate resurgence of the wolves of Yellowstone. As the film embarks on its developmental journey, it navigates the intricate path towards a green light, sources reveal.
Appian Way, the visionary production house helmed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson, has embraced this project with Blakeslee lending his expertise as consulting producer. Originally conceived within the Appian Way fold at Warner Bros., 'American Wolf's' fate shifted when Avis' poignant documentary, 'Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West,' shone a light on the US government's handling of wild horse populations. Impressed by her nuanced exploration, Appian Way promptly enlisted Avis to craft and direct the film, subsequently pitching it to Apple with great success.
'Wild Beauty's' accolades include a Critics' Choice nomination and a Special Congressional Commendation, further cementing Avis' reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Beyond her advocacy efforts for wolf conservation, Avis is also gearing up to reimagine 'City of Angels' for Warner Bros, with Charles Roven and Paul Perez at the helm of production.
Her recent directorial triumph, 'The Lamb,' marked a historic milestone as the first Western woman to helm a film in Saudi Arabia, a testament to her boundless creativity and courage. Prior to this, she penned, directed, and edited the beloved adaptation of 'Black Beauty,' starring Kate Winslet and Mackenzie Foy for Disney+, further showcasing her versatile talents.
Alongside her husband and producing partner, Edward Winters, Avis co-founded Winterstone Pictures in Los Angeles, a beacon of creativity and collaboration. Represented by WME, Hopscotch Pictures, and Yorn Levine, Avis continues to soar, her star shining brightly as she tackles new horizons in the world of film. Blakeslee, too, is well-represented by Hotchkiss Daiy & Associates, while Appian Way finds its voice through LBI and Hanson Jacobson.
